Since Nikon acquired RED again in 2024, videographers have been eagerly awaiting the primary digicam launch from the brand new partnership. Now Nikon has introduced the brand new Nikon ZR, the primary Z Cinema sequence digicam, and it doesn’t appear like it can disappoint. With over 15 stops of dynamic vary, inside 6K RAW recording, 32-bit float audio and onboard stabilization, the ZR is a formidable debut for the Z Cinema line.
Full-frame sensor
The Nikon ZR includes a full-frame sensor with greater than 15 stops of dynamic vary and two base ISO sensitivities of 800 and 6,400. It’s powered by the identical EXPEED 7 image-processing engine that’s utilized in Nikon’s flagship Z9 mirrorless digicam. The ZR additionally makes use of AI expertise to ship high-performance autofocus with monitoring for 9 varieties of topics.
Additionally, the digicam’s built-in picture stabilization (IBIS) delivers an astonishing 7.5 stops of stabilization.
6K RAW video
Picture courtesy: Nikon
The Nikon ZR can document 12-bit RAW video in 6K at as much as 60 fps (59.94p). It’s also possible to use the digicam’s gradual movement presets to shoot 4K at 120 fps (119.88p) and Full HD at 240 fps (239.76p). The ZR is the primary digicam to make use of the brand new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec. It additionally helps Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut to ship colours in step with RED shade science. Nikon says that the ZR’s shade tonality, pores and skin tone integrity and tonal roll-off are just like the output of RED’s V-RAPTOR and KOMODO-X. Moreover, you may select to document in N-RAW or ProRes RAW if you happen to want.
Cinematic video mode
The Nikon ZR includes a new view help perform you should use to retailer and choose from as much as ten LUTs. You should utilize 17-point, 33-point or 65-point LUTs in addition to RED’s free Artistic LUT Equipment.
The ZR additionally provides a brand new Cinematic video mode. This can be a consumer preset that delivers the RED cinematic look with a sooner workflow in much less data-intensive non-RAW codecs. Cinematic mode routinely units the shutter angle to 180 levels and adjustments the body fee to 24 fps. It additionally applies the RED Cine Bias Image Management for “beautiful but easy cinematic shade.”
Picture courtesy: Nikon
32-bit float audio
Nikon says that the ZR is the world’s first cinema digicam to help 32-bit float audio recording with each built-in and exterior microphones. This implies you don’t have to fret about setting achieve ranges when taking pictures, no matter how loud or quiet your audio sources are.
The digicam options three high-performance built-in microphones. These use Nokia’s OZO Audio expertise, and you may select between 5 polar pickup patterns to fit your recording scenario.
Construct
The Nikon ZR makes use of an modern fanless design, with the complete digicam physique contributing to environment friendly warmth dissipation and thermal administration. Nikon says that you would be able to document for over 2 hours consequently. The ZR additionally has a four-inch DCI-P3 LCD display screen, which is vibrant sufficient for use in direct daylight. Regardless of its wealthy specification, the ZR has a magnesium alloy chassis and weighs just one.19 kilos (540 g).
As well as, the physique is immune to mud, sand and moisture, due to sealing at important factors like buttons, seams and ports.
Different options
The ZR is the primary Nikon digicam to sport a digital accent shoe. This allows two-way digital communication between the digicam and appropriate equipment, eliminating the necessity for separate batteries or cables. The ZR additionally makes use of a brand new filmmaker-oriented consumer interface. To manage publicity, you may modify the digicam’s shutter angle from 5.6° to 360° or decide to make use of shutter velocity if you happen to want.
What we predict
The Nikon ZR is an awe-inspiring first launch for the Z Cinema digicam sequence. It delivers the RED Shade Science in a compact type issue together with a wealthy function set. Inside 12-bit RAW will seize all the 15+ stops of dynamic vary from the total body sensor. The 7.5 cease IBIS may be a sport changer for run-and-gun video. On-board 32-bit audio is one other first that may delight solo shooters.
Additionally, the brief flange depth of the Nikon Z mount means that you would be able to work with different model lenses utilizing third-party adaptors. With the brand new ZR, Nikon has laid down the gauntlet to Canon and Sony.
Pricing and availability
The brand new Nikon ZR Cinema Digicam might be obtainable in late October 2025 at $2,199 for the physique solely. It’s going to even be obtainable in package type with a wide range of lenses.
